Under-fire Nottingham Forest owner Fawaz Al-Hasawi pens open letter to club’s suffering fans… saying he will clear up the mess

Two failed takeovers in six months, followed by the sacking of head coach Philippe Montanier has brought Forest’s problems to a head

By Graeme Bryce

19th January 2017,10:50 pm

UNDER-FIRE Nottingham Forest owner and chairman Fawaz Al-Hasawi has penned an open letter to the club’s suffering supporters – assuring them he is committed to clearing up the mess he helped create at the City Ground.

However most Forest fans remain sceptical about their club’s controversial owner and regard his olive branch as a poisoned pen-letter!

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Two failed takeovers in six months, followed by the sacking of head coach Philippe Montanier has brought Forest’s problems to a head, with the twice-European champions seemingly in freefall after eight matches without a win.

With no manager and no infrastructure in place Al Hasawi’s popularity has hit rock-bottom after four turbulent years of decline, with star midfielder Henri Lansbury expected to become the latest Forest player to head for the exit when he completes a £3million move to Aston Villa.

The fans have received an open letter, but it remains to be seen if this lot will listen

However Al Hasawi announced the appointment of Samantha Gordon as the club’s new Chief Financial Officer yesterday – claiming the arrival of Norwich City’s experienced administrator was the first step towards a new future for Forest, with more behind the scenes appointments imminent.

In an open-letter to sceptical supporters, Al Hasawi wrote: “Dear fans, there have been lots of developments over the last week or so, and I feel it is my responsibility to reach out to you directly to assure you of my complete and utter commitment to Nottingham Forest, and securing its long-term position as a thriving and successful club – both on and off the pitch.

Two failed takeovers is not making people warm to the Kuwaiti businessman

“That positive future begins with stability. We are in the process of appointing a senior and experienced executive team to secure and improve the structure and leadership of the club – something I was unable to do during takeover talks.”

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As well as changes in executive positions, Al Hasawi also promised to prioritise appointing a new manager.

“While I cannot comment on names, I can give every assurance that we will appoint the candidate with the experience and vision to maximise the squad’s talent and potential, and improve results,” he wrote

Although caretaker boss Gary Brazil has emerged as the bookies’ favourite for the Forest manager’s job, SunSport can reveal Al Hasawi is considering two other possible appointments.

Paul Heckingbottom has impressed after working miracles at 10th-placed Barnsley on a shoestring budget, with the Tykes currently looking down on lowly Forest, who are 11 points worse off in 20th place.

Meanwhile Scunthorpe’s Graham Alexander is another young boss who is highly rated by the Forest chief and could be targeted after guiding his young Scunthorpe squad to second place in League One against all odds.

Fawaz ended his letter by saying he could not reveal why a deal to sell 80% of the club to an American consortium led by John Jay Moores had fallen though at the 11th hour – due to a confidentiality clause.

He claimed: “I would like to publicly reiterate my dedication to the club and its fans. It is your fantastic and loyal support that drives us to improve, and it is crucial that your voices are heard.

I am listening to you and will continue to put the interests of Nottingham Forest at the heart of every decision I make.

Those voices are likely to be heard – and raised – with a fans’ protest planned outside the City Ground on Saturday before Forest play Bristol City.